THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
they were after all Christians; fourth, the great enmity a man would bring upon himself by giving a
sign of opposing him; and fifth, they considered Lord Clare’s prowess.
Charles, seeing that none of them rose and revolving these matters in his heart like wise man, turned
to Roland and said: “My noble nephew, upon whom I have placed all my hopes, you, along with me,
have been wrongly blamed for Bussy’s death. You needs must now prove by force of arms how
falsely we are accused.” Roland rose straightway and went to kiss Charles’ feet. He gave him thanks
for the great honor and at once cried out: “Let my arms be brought!” He armed in Charles’ own
pavilion. Many lords, Charles among them, helped to put on his armor, and there was not one of
them who did not regret this combat, except for the Maganza traitors, especially those who were
most concerned in the matter. Once armed, Roland mounted his horse, slung his shield over his
arm, put his lance in rest, gave spur to Veliantin, and rode into the field against Lord Clare.
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When Roland reached Lord Clare, he was about to greet him, but Clare put his lance in rest and
took the field. When Roland saw this, he put his own lance in rest and they rode at each other and
exchanged several thrusts. Their lances fell in splinters and they, drawing their swords, rode to strike
and gave each other most cruel blows.
Meanwhile Duke Gerard, having heard that Clare had ridden into battle, climbed a tower above the
gate to see the fight and, bethinking himself, began to say: “O Christ, do Thou help my nephew
against that bastard Roland. Forget not my services. Thou knowest I came to Aspramont for love
of Thee.” He prayed to God like a desperate man. Think, reader, how his prayers were heard.